In May, FDR Four Freedoms Park officials announced #Ascent With Pride, a June 15th celebration during Gay Pride Month in New York City. June 14th, the largest Gay Pride Flag in city history was in place, ready to welcome visitors.

People traveled to the Park from all corners of the world.

by David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

“On Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 12:00-6:00 PM, FDR Four Freedoms State Park hosted #AscendWithPride: An Afternoon with Friends & Family,” Madeline Grimes, Director of Strategic Partnerships, said.

“This free World Pride was a celebration for all ages with food trucks for a special picnic on the lawn (with wine and beer available for purchase), VideoOut onsite all day capturing coming out stories for their online library and Drag Queen Story Hour, at 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM, reading books that focus on diversity and inclusivity, from Little Bee Books.”

It’s Gay Pride Month in New York City. Four Freedoms Park is onboard.

The event serves as the official unveiling of New York City’s largest pride flag, here on Roosevelt Island.

• What is Pride Month and Who Cares About It Now?
• New York City Pride March, June 26th, 2022
• Is Roosevelt Island Exposed? Gay History And Fabulous Tales
• Which America Now, Good or Bad, Do You Celebrate?
• Happy Pride at Roosevelt Island Graduate Hotel

Until Sunday, June 30th, the Park’s monumental staircase was transformed into a massive, 12’ x 100’ LGBTQ Pride Flag. It celebrated the universal human rights articulated in FDR’s Four Freedoms Speech. Those are freedom of speech & expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

FDR Four Freedoms Park occupies the southern tip of Roosevelt Island.

Top photo provided by Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judith Berdy.

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